Updated COVID-19 Vaccine recommendations from the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

This past week CDC changed the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to allow adults ages 65 years and older, as well as people with compromised immune systems to choose to get a second dose of the bivalent mRNA vaccine. This new recommendation is due to data showing that protection from COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time for older adults, and that an additional dose of the updated vaccine, at least four months after the last bivalent/updated dose, restores this immunity. The bivalent mRNA vaccine will replace the original mRNA vaccine. The bivalent mRNA vaccine is now recommended, regardless of whether a person has completed the original mRNA primary series.

People six+ years old are now considered “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccines if they have had one bivalent dose of vaccine. Individuals who only had the original vaccination series are not up to date. Only individuals who received the bivalent booster that was distributed after the Omicron surge are considered “up to date.” Using this new definition, only one in six people across the United States are considered “up to date,” and in Cook County only two in five people are considered “up to date.”

Some things to note:

• People who are between six and 65 years of age and do not have a compromised immune system do not need to act if they have already received an bivalent vaccine.

• Younger children under the age of six continue to have multiple doses of the updated mRNA vaccine recommended, with the dose and timing depending on their age and vaccination history.

• The Novavax and Johnson & Johnson vaccine continue to be available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine.

• The CDC will continue to make updates to vaccination recommendations as they continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness and COVID-19 disease levels nationwide.

• COVID-19 vaccines continue to prevent the most serious outcomes of COVID-19—severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

COVID-19 vaccination continues to be available at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. If you have questions about vaccination recommendations, are not sure if you are “up to date” or would like to set up a vaccination appointment, please call 218-387-2330.

Grand Portage Health Services will continue to offer updated COVID-19 vaccines for adults. For more information about vaccination in Grand Portage, please call (218) 475-2235.